Internships
|
POSTED: 20 Feb. 2012
WE ARE IN THE FINAL STAGES OF SELECTION FOR 2012 - IF YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN A FUTURE INTERNSHIP, PLEASE CONTACT US.
2012 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS in Field Ecology
With the Farmscape Ecology Program,
Hawthorne Valley Farm, Ghent, NY.
May – August/December 2012 (3 to 6 months total, exact dates are
flexible)
The
Hawthorne Valley Farmscape Ecology Program is dedicated to exploring the human
and natural dimensions of the landscape of Columbia County, NY through research
and outreach. Our interdisciplinary research focuses on historical, current and
potential future interactions of people with the land. This includes, for
example, the documentation of the distribution of native plants and animals
within our county, the study of the ecological interactions between native
species and agriculture, and the mapping of ecological habitats in the County.
We also study the cultural relationships between people and the landscape,
including a county-wide community land assessment looking at people’s diverse
perceptions and interactions with the landscape. By involving community
participants in the research and by sharing the results widely, we strive to
stimulate, facilitate, and inform a sense of connection to the many dimensions
of the landscape. The Farmscape Ecology Program is part of Hawthorne Valley
Association, an educational non-profit, and is comprised of wildlife ecologist
Conrad Vispo, botanist Claudia Knab-Vispo, and social scientist Anna Duhon.
This
year, we are primarily looking for interns interested in field ecology,
including the mapping of plant communities and surveys of vertebrates and
invertebrates. We will also be doing socio-cultural research, and interns with an interest in both
ecology and culture are particularly welcome.
Activities: Interns
will participate in field inventories of plants and animals in a variety of
natural habitats and will have responsibilities related to the preservation and
identification of plant and invertebrate specimens collected during the
fieldwork. The intern will also be partially responsible for computer work
consisting of data entry and remote sensing to identify suitable inventory
areas from digital aerial photos. Additional data entry or gathering relating
to the sociological fieldwork might also be requested. Finally, there is the
opportunity to participate in the creation of an ornamental garden with native
plants around our building and the opportunity to work with the Hawthorne
Valley farmers and farm apprentices in the commercial vegetable fields for ½
day each week.
Applicants
staying for longer than 3 months or able to continue to write-up research during
a fall school semester are encouraged to consider developing an independent
project within the parameters of our research. We welcome inquiries from
graduate students who feel their projects may be fitting. We would also be glad
to collaborate with students whose universities offer the potential for
independent credits.
Qualifications: We
are looking for candidates with a strong interest in natural history (expertise
in certain taxonomic groups, e.g., mosses, lichens, grasses, sedges, birds,
butterflies, dragonflies, ground beetles, bees, spiders, or ants is a plus but
is not required), who are comfortable in a rural environment, thrive out-doors
even when the going gets rough, are sociable and enjoy interacting with a
diverse range of people of all ages, are energetic, self-motivated and able to work independently with attention
to detail, and, most importantly, are eager to learn.
We
expect the candidates to have basic computer skills (word, excel, databases)
and some academic and/or work experience in field biology, field ecology, natural
history, environmental science, sustainable farming/gardening, environmental
education, or related fields. Experience with GIS software, web-site design,
and social media would be a plus. Those who also have an interest in studying human
relations to the landscape are urged to apply.
General Conditions:
The internship is based at Hawthorne Valley Farm, a 400-acre organic and
biodynamic diversified farm located in the heart of Columbia County, NY, in the
northwest corner of Hillsdale. Interns will be expected to work at least five
days per week, including the option of working half a day a week in the
Hawthorne Valley Farm gardens (in order to obtain some hands-on farming
experience). Periodic requests for weekend and after-hours work will occur, though
the basic internship is organized around a 40 to 45-hour workweek. Independent
projects might require some additional hours.
Compensation: On-farm housing
with shared kitchen and bathroom and a $650/month stipend are provided.
Additional Information:
Information about the farm is available at their web site; for more on the Farmscape Ecology Program itself, please visit our home page.
Application Process:
Please send a CV including contact information for three references along with
a cover letter explaining your interest in the internship, including the types
of research you feel most drawn to and qualified for, whether you are
interested in a 3 or 6 month internship, and if you would like to develop your
own project. Potentially suitable applicants will be interviewed by phone, and typically
a personal visit to the Farm is requested before we make a final commitment. If
you have questions, please contact Conrad, Claudia or Anna at 518-672-7994 or email us.
|
